Category Archives: Kitchens

Choosing a Counter Depth Refrigerator

This entry was posted in Home Remdodeling, Jason Parsons, Kitchens and tagged counter depth, design, Kitchen, Refrigerator, remodel on October 9, 2018 by Andrew Parsons.

How to choose the best counter depth refrigerator?

This question was asked to Jason Parsons, DBP's Chief Designer, by an online magazine. Here is his answer: Because of their size and frequency of use, refrigerators are generally a focal point in the kitchen. If you have decided on a counter depth unit, there are several factors to consider when choosing the best model for you. First, most people do not realize that only the body of the refrigerator is counter depth. Doors and handles extend beyond the counter. In addition, the hinges are designed to have the doors open outside of the refrigerator width. You need to ensure that there is enough clearance to open the doors a minimum of 90° from the refrigerator not only to access your food, but to remove all drawers for regular cleaning. This will require anywhere from 3” – 6” on each side of the unit. Be sure to choose one that will work with the space that you have.

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Upper Cabinets for Your Kitchen Remodel

This entry was posted in Home Remdodeling, Kitchens and tagged cabinetry, cabinets, kitchen cabinets, kitchen remodeling, stacked cabinets, upper cabinets on April 21, 2017 by Andrew Parsons.

Many kitchens don’t have upper cabinets occupying the space reaching the ceiling. They provided multiple purposes such as increased storage space and give the opportunity to display items, all while provided a more finished look to the kitchen. Upper kitchen cabinets, or stacked cabinets are perfect for seasonal cookware or other appliances that get very little use annually. Also ideal for those of you with a collection of cooking utensils or silverware. How often can one complain about having too much storage space? Continue reading →

Induction Cooking in Your Kitchen

This entry was posted in Home Remdodeling, Kitchens and tagged Cooking, cooktop, induction, induction cooking, Kitchen, kitchen appliances on April 7, 2017 by Andrew Parsons.

Induction cooking ~ Design Build Planners

Induction cooking is a two-part system. The first is a coil of copper wire and when the electric current flows through the coil it creates energy. The second part is the pan itself. Not all pans will work on an induction cooktop. Pans that consist of 100% copper, 100% aluminum, or 100% non-magnetic stainless steel will not work. The bottom of the pan must have an iron base in order to work, easiest way of checking is to hold a magnet to the bottom of the pan. With a traditional radiant cooktop, the entire element would heat with the surface glowing red. But not with the induction cooktop, all the electromagnetic energy passes through the cooktop and into the pan which causes the iron molecules to vibrate creating the friction that heats the pan. Continue reading →

Instant Hot Water Dispensers

This entry was posted in Home Remdodeling, Kitchens and tagged instahot, kitchen remodeling, sink, water filter, water heater on March 28, 2017 by Andrew Parsons.

Instant Hot Water Dispensers (Instahot) are not complicated by any means and are very useful. They consist of a miniature electric water heater and a storage tank that are both installed under the sink. Many are connected to water filters, and some models even provide cold and hot water from the sink. Water flows up the supply line into the filtration system guaranteeing the freshest water possible, from there it travels up to a 2/3 tank where it is instantly heated to around 200 degrees. While the water is heated it is replaced by fresher water and with the fast recovery system it can deliver up to 60 cups of boiling water per hour. Continue reading →

Under Cabinet LED Lighting

This entry was posted in Home Remdodeling, Kitchens and tagged backsplash, bluetooth, kitchen remodeling, led, Lighting, speakers, wireless on January 28, 2017 by Neil Parsons.

under cabinet lighting for kitcen cabinets and design build remodeling in NJ (4)

Over the year’s, kitchens have become more and more technological. The under the cabinet LED lighting is one answer to the demanding need for technology in the kitchen. Fits under cabinets to discreetly provide light, Bluetooth music system, power outlets, USB ports, and mobile charging cradles the system enables backsplash to be clear of outlets and cord clutter. The product is available in four different lengths. This clears countertops of cords going in every which direction. Clearing more room for pots and pans and all the ingredients needed for cooking. Continue reading →

History of the Refrigerator

This entry was posted in Kitchens and tagged fridge, Kitchen, kitchen remodeling, Refrigerator on February 1, 2016 by Andrew Parsons.

History of the Refrigerator When you think kitchens and kitchen appliances, you think refrigerators. While there were working "fridge" models prior to 1913, this is the year when the domestic refrigerator was invented. The inventor was Fred Wolfe. However, the prototype was improved upon the very next year by an engineer named Nathaniel B. Wales. Refrigerators really jumped in popularity in the 1920s after the invention of freon; from there, the General Electric "Monitor Top" refrigerator became the first fridge to see widespread use. Continue reading →

Wood Countertops for Your Kitchen

This entry was posted in Home and Family Lifestyle, Kitchens and tagged bamboo, countertop, maple, wood on November 17, 2015 by Andrew Parsons.

Wood Countertops for Your Kitchen

Wood butcher block countertop - Design Build Planners (1)

Many home owners view the use of the wood countertops as a cure for the cold of the common stainless steel. Wood countertops have been enjoying a revival after being eclipsed by showy stones like granite and marble. They are usually constructed from the hard wood and are also laminated together with glue making it strong and stable. The hard wood countertop always provides a warm and organic landing surface in a kitchen making it to become gentle and forgiving on dishware and also able to absorb the noise from a busy household. Another advantage about the wood countertop is that it can be repaired when damaged and also can be refinished if in any case it gets stained, dinged or gouged. Continue reading →

Illinois Design Build Remodeling Project from Synergy Builders

This entry was posted in Home and Family Lifestyle, Home Remdodeling, Kitchens and tagged build, chicago, Chicagoland, design, full service remodeling, home remodeling, home renovations, illinois remodeling, kitchen remodeling, remodeling on November 13, 2015 by Andrew Parsons.

Illinois Design Build Remodeling Project from Synergy Builders

Synergy Builders kitchen remodeling in Chicagoland ~ Design Build Planners (1)

This Elmhurst, Illinois kitchen project had a goal of combining a modern design that had classic, long last appealing. This design build remodeling project was done by Synergy Builders in West Chicago, Illinois. Synergy Builders is a design build home remodeling company servicing the Chicagoland area. They have helped hundreds of families with their kitchens, bathrooms, additions, lower levels, and exteriors since 2002. Synergy Builders operates with the mindset of providing “Stress Free Remodeling” for the homeowner. Synergy Builders understands how to not only give an incredible end result, but how to make the home remodeling process from start to finish as easy as possible. Continue reading →

Kitchen Workstation

This entry was posted in Home and Family Lifestyle, Kitchens and tagged cutting board, Kitchen, kitchen workstation, knife, workstation on November 3, 2015 by Andrew Parsons.

Kitchen Workstation It has been said that in front of every talented cook, there is a clean and an efficient workstation. You can be a better cook by just building a better kitchen workstation. You can set up a workstation for both cooking and office purposes. Whether you decide to put up a home office in the kitchen or just a small desk area, you need to be having some idea on what to do for your kitchen work station to be complete and efficient. For office purposes, you can use things like the cabinets that matches or compliments your kitchen so that the space can blend in. Continue reading →

Butcher Block Top Countertops

This entry was posted in Home and Family Lifestyle, Kitchens and tagged Butcher Block, Butcher Top, butcherblock, countertop, Kitchen, wood countertop on October 29, 2015 by Andrew Parsons.

Butcher Block Top Countertops

Wood butcher block countertop - Design Build Planners (2)

The dated laminate counter-top in your kitchen reminds you daily that it is time for a kitchen makeover and it should start with the kitchen countertop. Have you considered the use of a butcher top countertop? This choice guarantees a perfect transformation of your kitchen within a reasonable budget. Before you make your decision, here are some things to help you know what the product is made up of and its benefits: Continue reading →

HG – Toms River, NJ

Design Build Planners are excellent! They are professional, on time and very helpful. I would recommend this company to anyone looking to do a remodel project.

2014-02-07T09:38:12+00:00

Design Build Planners are excellent! They are professional, on time and very helpful. I would recommend this company to anyone looking to do a remodel project.

https://www.designbuildpros.com/testimonials/hg-toms-river-nj/

KW – Rockaway, NJ

Jason and Neil are always available to answer your questions, if you need them to see something you’re unhappy with they will be there as soon as they can. I feel like I'm the only one they are working with, because they are there when you need them to be. They treat you like a friend and family. It's very comforting.

2014-02-07T09:38:41+00:00

https://www.designbuildpros.com/testimonials/kw-rockaway-nj/

RSG – Long Island, NY

Design Build Planners are certainly that- pros! Thank goodness I found Design Build Planners on Houzz. Neil and Jason Parsons listened to what we wanted, as to the look and feel of the house and came up with a few plans for the exterior with the 2nd floor addition.

2014-03-20T08:39:36+00:00

https://www.designbuildpros.com/testimonials/rsg-long-island-ny/

BK – Bridgewater, NJ

Jason genuinely listened to our needs, took the time to understand how our family lives in our home, and incorporated that into the designs. Nearly all of our feedback has been included in each of the designs, and any remaining items were openly discussed with pros/cons, and what our options are

2014-02-07T09:39:24+00:00

https://www.designbuildpros.com/testimonials/bk-bridgewater-nj/

RA – Ortley Beach, NJ

When we called Design Build Planners, Jason took time away from his family and came on a Saturday. He was very knowledgeable and through and spent a few hours going over all our damage with us. He was very responsive to all our needs and we have recommended Design Build Planners to our neighbors.

2014-02-08T04:41:01+00:00

https://www.designbuildpros.com/testimonials/ra-ortley-beach-nj/

CK – Old Bridge, NJ

The fact that they have “Pro” in their company name is very fitting as they were consummate professionals in all aspects of the project. They are very respectful, knowledgeable and are excellent listeners, oh and by the way they just happen be really good at designing too!

2014-02-08T04:42:19+00:00

https://www.designbuildpros.com/testimonials/ck-old-bridge-nj/

ST – Atlantic Highlands, NJ

I love the finished basement designs that Neil and Jason gave us! They were definitely professional, friendly and knowledgeable. I give them the highest recommendation!

2014-03-20T08:41:16+00:00

I love the finished basement designs that Neil and Jason gave us! They were definitely professional, friendly and knowledgeable. I give them the highest recommendation!

https://www.designbuildpros.com/testimonials/st-atlantic-highlands-nj/

SP – North Plainfield, NJ

Jason and Neil – We are thrilled with our remodel – thank you. The kitchen and master bath are beautiful and look just like the computer design. The remodeler selected for us and the vendors were wonderful to work with. The budget was definitely helpful in planning.

2014-02-08T04:51:02+00:00

https://www.designbuildpros.com/testimonials/sp-north-plainfield-nj/

KA – Red Bank, NJ

As a design professional that has worked with the Design Build Planners for years, I can easily give a 5-star recommendation. They are the business of “customer service” which is rare in this day and age. Drawing together a complete group of experts to execute each job, they are on top of the project the whole step of the way. This last project was no exception!!

2014-02-08T05:50:42+00:00

https://www.designbuildpros.com/testimonials/ka-red-bank-nj/

PA – Berkeley Heights, NJ

I met with Design Build Planners jedi-master Jason Parsons yesterday and he is now national. Anyone with a conceptual idea for work on their house or wants to start working towards a finished product, contact him. The guy is a consummate professional and a good trustworthy man.

2014-02-08T05:51:17+00:00

https://www.designbuildpros.com/testimonials/pa-berkeley-heights-nj/

NM – Keyport, NJ

These guys are GREAT!!! I’ve been working Neil and Jason and their clients through a variety of remodelers for quite a number of years now. Every client I’ve ever worked with has been impressively satisfied with the end results! Their professionalism and attention to detail is second to none and the service they offer is immeasurable.

2014-02-08T05:52:16+00:00

https://www.designbuildpros.com/testimonials/nm-keyport-nj/

GM – Rahway, NJ

Over the years I have had the opportunity to get to know both Jason and Neil as co-workers and competitors. Their professionalism and integrity, as well as their product knowledge, are second to none. They have insight into design, cost and budget, and I have yet to hear of a dissatisfied customer. They remain a resource for me, and I look forward to working with them in the future on other projects.

2014-02-08T05:53:22+00:00

https://www.designbuildpros.com/testimonials/gm-rahway-nj/

JG – Parlin, NJ

We have dealt with other companies for other issues in our house and have had many unpalatable experiences. This job, as extensive as it was, has been the best experience we have had with any company. We would hire them again in an instant to do future work on our house.

2014-02-07T09:38:59+00:00

https://www.designbuildpros.com/testimonials/jg-parlin-nj/

JC – Highlands, NJ

I contacted Design Build Planners to schedule a consultation prior to making a home purchase to seek advice from a professional. I spoke with Jason Parsons, who really went out of his way to answer my questions, and research the potential issues I was facing with a renovation. After explaining my concerns, Jason quickly provided several solutions, and answered unforeseen questions.

2014-02-08T04:44:01+00:00

https://www.designbuildpros.com/testimonials/jc-highlands-nj/